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First Impressions: Global Agenda
Global Agenda. This game has been successful in causing quite a stir on our website. It seems almost every single story we do on the game anymore turns into the inevitable "this isn't an MMO" debate. We've even tried to give the MMORTS part of it more of a perspective in past articles, but that's neither here nor there. This article isn't about the game or if it's an MMO -- it's about how this game plays. So, is Global Agenda a worthy investment for the MMOer? Is it a worthy investiment for the FPS nut? Can a game that's a hybrid of so many genres work as well as its creators say it works? Those are all excellent questions and they're also questions that we're going to answer today. %Gallery-84790%
Recon Instruments putting heads-up display, extra layer of 'cool' within ski goggles
It's a match made in heaven, really. A GPS-linked heads-up display system, and ski goggles. Together, at long last, forever. Recon Instruments is reportedly developing said technology right now, and if all goes well, a HUD-equipped set of alpine goggles will indeed be on sale to the general populace next fall for between $350 to $450. The device is expected to tap into your cellphone, and if said phone has a GPS chip within, you'll be able to see where you're at, where your fellow snow bunnies are and where you're headed. It'll also provide all sorts of other vital information, such as hang time off of the rail jump, altitude gain / loss, a stopwatch and temperature. There's no word on whether it'll alert you when too much powder starts building on that front-side edge, but here's hoping these things are durable enough to survive the face-plant that'll inevitably ensue when that scenario plays itself out.
3D mapping drone fires lasers from a mile away (video)
The MIT Technology Review has unearthed a new laser-based 3D mapping robot that can produce results similar to those obtained from $100,000 systems at about a fifth of the cost. Funded by the US Army, researchers at the Stevens Institute of Technology have now demonstrated the Remotely Operated and Autonomous Mapping System (ROAMS, for short), which employs a mirror-based LIDAR system that bounces a laser off a rapidly rotating mirror and gleans environmental information from how long it takes for each pulse to bounce back. An array of video cameras and IR proximity sensors add to this recon bot's sentience, though you'll still need to be within a mile's range to operate it. So not quite yet ready for solo missions to Mars, but plenty useful for gathering data on our own planet. You'll find video and imagery of the results this machine kicks out after the break.
Global Agenda producer interview explains Players vs. Playable Environments
How can we describe a game like Global Agenda? "It's like a sci-fi Team Fortress 2 with elements of territory and resource control." That works. Or we could say, "It's an MMO that's gene spliced with a first person shooter." That's pretty accurate as well. But whichever way you look at it, Global Agenda is a game that's hard to define with any single, existing label. You'll play as an "agent" in one of four classes -- Assault (heavy weapons), Recon (stealth and melee), Robotic (gadgets galore), or Medic -- in a game that's as much about fast-paced combat as it is about controlling territory and tapping resources on an alliance (guild) level. The title is in development at Hi-Rez Studios, and I4U News recently spoke with Global Agenda executive producer Todd Harris about what makes this game unique. Harris discusses Global Agenda's elements of world control and says, "When a player alliance successfully claims an entire zone, anticipated to take approximately 45 days, that group will be rewarded with prestige items, public display of their alliance banner, and permanent notation within the lore of the world."
Jet packs, mechs, and all-out carnage in latest Global Agenda screens
Global Agenda from Hi-Rez Studios is one of the upcoming games that is challenging our traditional definition of an MMO. Essentially Global Agenda will be a marriage of Team Fortress 2-style gameplay with a system of world control where guilds will tap resources to gain advantages. We got some hands-on time with GA at E3 2009 and Mike Schramm had a chance to try out the medic class. We know the game will have four classes at launch, and taking the Team Fortress 2 analog a bit further, Global Agenda's 'Assault' class is like the Heavy, 'Recon' is the Spy, 'Robotic' is similar to the Engineer, and 'Medic'... you get it. This is, however, a very broad generalization and what we've seen thus far suggests there will be a good range of abilities for each class with numerous gear options. However, since none of us are in the beta at present, we're always hoping to find out more about the game. We've come across some new Global Agenda screens that Hi-Rez Studios released today, which show the various class gear and abilities in action. Have a look through our gallery to see the Assault, Recon, Medic, and Robotic classes tearing into mechs and androids, and quite likely each other as well. Plus, jet packs! We've added these shots to our Global Agenda gallery for you, so check it out:%Gallery-35351%
Global Agenda trailer puts pansy elves in their place
We just had a look at some of the gameplay from Global Agenda at E3, but the latest trailer from Hi-Rez studios is a bit different. It's a more humorous look at the sort of characters that will be found in-game, or rather, the sorts that won't. Walking around in a flowing robe and attempting to fling fireballs won't get you very far in Global Agenda, as the trailer points out so clearly -- a Recon character makes short work of an elf trying to fill his cast-bar to attack, proving that technology is the key to victory in this particular world, and that other elves hoping to join the game's cast need not apply. Hit the jump to check out the full trailer.
E3 2009: Global Agenda hands-on with executive producer Todd Harris
Global Agenda is coming right along nicely -- we last saw the game in action at GDC, and today at E3, executive producer Todd Harris was nice enough to sit down and show us a never-before-seen part of the game: PvE gameplay.We started off by checking out the character creator, which has come along quite a bit. They've built a very in-depth face creator -- there are about eight or ten different factors to switch between (eyes, mouth, and so on), and for each one, there are seven or eight sliders to adjust and tweak. Which allows for quite a few different variations, as you might imagine. Hair and skin color can also be edited, but Harris told us that body shape will generally be determined by the armor you wear (which is more or less determined by the class you choose).%Gallery-35351% Massively is on the ground in Los Angeles this week and covering all the latest E3 MMO news coming from the convention. Check out our breaking coverage (or all the Joystiq network E3 reporting) and keep your eye on Massively's front page for the latest developments.
Halo 3 ODST priced, collector's pack revealed
So much for "value oriented" pricing for ODST. Halo 3: ODST will release on September 22 for $60. There will also be a "Halo 3: ODST Collector's Pack" priced at $100, which will also include a rather attractive special edition controller.The justification for the full price is the additional Firefight (which is like Gears' "Horde" or L4D's "Survival) multiplayer modes, the entire Halo 3 map pack series and the Halo: Reach beta. Looks like ODST is using the Crackdown gambit, having customers pay for the Reach beta and getting that other game for free. We have the full details of what's included on the disc after the break.%Gallery-64702%
Recon Scout gets new job at prison, isn't any fun to hang out with
You may remember this little dumbell-looking Recon Scout drone we saw last year, when it had just been implemented in the military. If you'll recall, the robot selflessly allows itself to be thrown into wild and unpredictable situations deemed "too risky" for people, then transmits grainy video back to an Operator Control Unit. Well, it turns out that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation was interested in this rugged bastion of self-sacrifice, too. They can apparently envision all kinds of nightmare scenarios where prisoners have weapons and no human wants any part of it -- which is why they've agreed to a rental contract where they get ten devices and developer ReconRobotics gets feedback from the Department in exchange. Seriously though, aren't there any jubilant tasks we could set this guy to? He's getting to be such a killjoy.
First Halo 3: Recon details emerge
Joystiq got a chance to sit down with Bungie's Brian Jarrard to discuss some of the details behind the upcoming Halo 3 experience, Recon. Many questions have been lobbed at the title since it was first officially revealed, and here, without further ado, are some of the answers (politely cribbed directly from Joystiq): "It will be a standalone disc sold in stores in boxes next Fall. It's also going to include some multiplayer maps." "It is a first-person shooter still ... It's not a squad-based shooter." "As an ODST, compared to playing as in invulnerable Spartan, you are going to have to sort of pick and choose your encounters a little bit differently." "It is going to very much feel like Halo. Full feature parity." A few other details. Recon (as most have theorized) takes place directly after the Prophet of Regret jumped into slipspace during Halo 2, causing the destruction of New Mombasa. Players take the role of a single ODST -- not a full squad. Also, it would appear that -- as implied by the trailer above -- the Superintendent (the little green circle dude) will serve as Recon's "Cortana." When asked about this, Jarrard replied, "I think your observations seem pretty spot on. It certainly seems like there's a guiding hand of some sort there." %Gallery-34045%
Photoshop Frankie, then you can haz Recon
If you're looking for new Halo 3 information, then this week's Bungie Weekly Update isn't for you because Frankie is still missing in action and isn't doing his job. Though, if you're looking for a new way to earn Recon armor AND a way to mock Frankie publicly, then this week's Bungie Weekly Update IS for you.Bungie is holding a contest where they're challenging expert (and not so expert) Photoshoppers to take some old Frankie photos (ones where he actually has hair) and mess with him. The three categories for entry include Best Use of Frank's Image via an Existing Internet Meme, Best Utilization of Frank's Image in a Motivational Poster and Best Use of Frank's Image Inspired by a Major Motion Picture and the winner from each category will walk away with Recon. Fire up Photoshop, there's Recon to earn ...
Earn H3 Recon armor with G4's Sarkathlon 2
G4 is challenging Halo 3 players to another round of Mr. Sark's forging torment which is now being called The Sarkathlon 2. And if you have the right blend of talent and persistence to outshine all your opponents, Recon glory will be yours.For those out of the know, The Sarkathlon is a custom Halo 3 map that is created to test players' skills, wit and talent with the goal of completing all the obstacles in the fastest time possible. This time, for The Sarkathlon 2, we're being told that the Legendary Map Pack will be used and will be much, much, much more difficult. So difficult that Bungie has partnered with G4 to give the grand prize winner the exclusive (and so so elusive) Halo 3 Recon armor. The Sarkathlon 2 begins tomorrow and will run through Friday, May 2nd so keep your eyes on G4 tomorrow when challenge details and map download information will be revealed.[Via HBO]
You can has H3 Recon armor for only $6100+
Being the caring developers they are, Bungie (more specifically, Frankie) is completing his yearly charitable deed by auctioning off one of his one of a kind Mister Chief works of art to support The Brian Morden Foundation. Frankie's Mister Chief artwork (viewable above) is a pastel on canvas representation of love, hate, happy, sad and optimism. It'd be a great injustice to the work if we didn't let you read the what the famed artist has to say about the creation process that went into creating such an amazing piece. Though, be warned. He takes his medium very seriously.We guess we should also mention that the current bid for the Mister Chief art is sitting at a whopping $6,100. And with another day of bidding to go, we're certain the winning bid will equal that of a small condo purchase. But remember guys, it's for charity. Finally, there's one more thing to mention. HBO confirmed with Frankie that the winning bidder will not only get a piece of priceless artwork, but Bungie will also throw in a complete set of Recon armor to the winning bidder. So, even if you aren't a fan of Mister Chief, Frankie or art, there's always the Recon armor. $6,000+ for Recon armor is, in our opinion, the deal of the century.
A Halo 3 St. Valentine's Day Massacre
Not since last October's "Living Dead" event has team Bungie released a specially themed Halo 3 matchmaking hopper, but today is the day of love. So, with that in mind, Bungie knew they had an obligation to fulfill.With the thick stench smell of love wafting through the air, team Bungie will be releasing a new Halo 3 "St. Valentine's Day Massacre" ranked matchmaking playlist. The new playlist is (fittingly) a team doubles slayer fest where players will have to "partner up" to dish out the Valentines pain. Even better is the fact that Bungie promises to hand out special prizes to those gamers who perform amazing feats and perform amazing acts. What the prizes will be and what must be done to earn them is unknown, but we're thinking Recon armor will be in the mix. Yeah, it's possible. But you'll never know what prizes can be won or what fun can be had unless you partner up and play the St. Valentines' Day Massacre playlist. But you'll have to get fragging soon. The playlist love affair will only be available today starting at 1:00PM eastern through Monday, February 18th at 5:00AM eastern. And please, no teabagging.
Show floor video: JAMF Recon makes asset inventory a snap
For big cross-platform enterprises or educational institutions, keeping track of all those hardware assets can be a pain in the Sarbanes. Fortunately there are plenty of products looking out for your needs, including some particularly Mac-friendly sorts: Keyserver, NetOctopus, LANrev, Apple Remote Desktop, and more. Among the most comprehensive Mac management suites is JAMF's Casper, with modules for deployment, imaging, package building and asset management. The asset management module -- Recon Suite -- was recently spun out as a separate offering and has added Windows PC audit tools. JAMF's Chip Pearson gives us a two-minute drill on Recon's information gathering power; video after the jump. (I have no idea why the wrong title cards are ending up on these videos -- perhaps it has something to do with post-Macworld jet lag!)
Really real and wearable Halo 3 Recon helmet
Earning the uber l33t Halo 3 Recon Armor from the filthy clutches of Bungie is no easy feat. You must make some sort of community contribution or find a new and adventurous way of killing yourself in-game. Simply put, Recon Armor is cool, but nearly impossible to obtain and that's exactly why Belakor over at the 405th Forums created his own.Made out of l33t plastic, l33t paint and lots of l33t love is the life-size and fully wearable Halo 3 Recon helmet you see above. And for those who haven't the slightest idea to what Recon armor looks like, take a look at this and compare it to the helmet above. Nearly identical, no? It's a work of art and if Belakor doesn't get some in-game Recon Armor to match his real-life Recon armor then we'll have to rough up the folks over at Bungie. It's only right.
Vigor Force Recon QX4 gaming rig brings the Quad FX power
AMD's Quad FX chips haven't been on the market for all that long, but that hasn't stopped one company after another from pushing out the gaming machines. Today we bring you the third rig that we've spotted in as many weeks, the Vigor Force Recon QX4. This baby is pretty loaded, with two 3.0GHz Athlon 64 FX-74 dual-core chips, a NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX 768MB DDR3 video card with DVI and TV out, 2GB of RAM, two 7200rpm, 250GB SATA II drives, an internal 16X dual-layer DVD burner, gigabit Ethernet, a whopping 10 USB ports, and for good measure, a floppy drive. The whole setup will start at $2900 and will be officially launched at CES 2007, coming up next month. We're pretty sure though that you'll have to BYO floppies -- that is, if you can even find a use for them anymore.[Via 64-Bit-Computers]
Battlefield 2142 scans of PC Gamer cover story leaked
The Battlefield 2142 hoopla is starting to look more and more real as scans of the PC Gamer issue in question have surfaced online with BF 2142 featured as the magazine's May cover story. Digg contributor Iced_Eagle has pointed us to an 8.5MB archive of images from the mag, with 9 pages concerned with 2142 and 2 pages having to do with Half-Life 2: Episode 1. If you're interested in knowing "where your unstoppable 20-foot Mech is," then you'd best get to that reading online or off ASAP. For those still skeptical of any gaming news outlet coming out with such a story in the general vicinity of April Fools' Day, keep in mind that the game appears to not only be the magazine's cover story, but that its coverage also fills up all those pages of print mentioned earlier. EGM merely dedicated a single page with a brief line in the table of contents to its Apple iGame prank this year, so this would seem like a lot of effort on PC Gamer or some extremely dedicated Photoshopper's part to fool the gaming public. Will this fall prove to be the point when the BF franchise finally frags in the future? At this point, it would certainly seem so. Read on for further details about the game; the cover pic links to the scans.
